Genesis
Lesson 10
Genesis 14 to 16 as we continue to study they life of Abraham. Last week we discussed the truth that God chooses ordinary people and makes them extra-ordinary.
Why do we need to study the life of Abraham?
The bible uses Abraham as an example of a man of faith.
Gal 3:6 – How does the Bible describe Abraham?
Gal 3:7 - If you have faith, we are called sons of Abraham.
Gal 3:8 – Gospel was preached as early as 4,000 years ago when God made the promise
to Abraham. All the nations will be blessed by you. The Old Testament needs to be studied in order to motivate us to know and obey God more.
New Testament can be compared to a black and white TV, while studying the Old Testament can give you a more complete view of the whole counsel of God.
Gal 3:9 – "those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham."
What do you understand with this verse? Whatever the blessings of Abraham applies to us. Was Abraham blessed? Some Christians are not excited about their life because they do not know how much we are blessed as children of faith.
Gal 3:9 – We need to study the Old Testament. Abraham continue of this man’s life
Read Genesis 14:1-24
What are some of the highlights in these chapters?
Gen 14:1 – Who was the leader of 4 kings? Healleomer. He defeated the 5 kings.
Gen 14:18 – Just mention of the word "priest" Melchisedek is important in the
genealogy of Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, priests could come from
the tribe of Levi. This was God’s plan. But Melchisedek was a priest
even before Moses/Levi. He was not a Jew.
God is not be exclusive property of the Jewish people he is available to all nations. Melchizedek how important is he?
Ps 110:4 – Jesus uses this person to represent the priest forever according to the order of
Melchizedek
Ps 110:1 – reveals the tri-unity of God
Heb 7:1 - The superiority of Jews above all other earthly priests.
What is the meaning of Melchizedek?
King of Salem, king of righteousness, king of Jerusalem.
The Bible uses this man as an example. What did it mean that he had "no genealogy"?
As a rule in the Old Testament, to be a priest, you needed to come from the family of Levites. The Levites came from the line of Aaron as shown in the book of Exodus. The problem with the Jewish Christians was that they said they were happy with the priesthood system, they were so happy with their day.
When Jesus came, they said they did not want him. Because Jesus took the
place of all the priests.
Heb 7:22-23 – Guarantee of a better covenant.
What kind of priest is he? From the order of Melchisedek?
The Bible writer says you are already having a priest ordained by God. Melchizedek without father, no beginning.
He could be the manifestation of Jesus.
Jesus took the form of man in the book of Genesis and appeared to Abraham. That was one interpretation.
Another interpretation is you interpret it frequently meaning this Melchizedek represents the highest order of priesthood. No genealogy. They do not know his genealogy but he was a priest ordained by God. Another highlight of the mention of the Word – tithe. Tithing is taught in the Bible
Gen 14:20 – tithe - 10th
Manifestations of faith. When you are a child of God your faith will be tested. As we look at Abraham, we learn his faith was tested.
We cannot progress in our lives without being tested. War between 5 vs. 4 kings.
Gen 14:11 – He took all the goods
Who won? Chedorlaomer. Abraham was relaxed.
Gen 14:12 – Who was greedy? Lot. He chose the best lots.
Gen 13:12-13 – Lot settled in the cities of Sodom where the men were exceedingly
wicked.
Gen 13:12 – They took Lot.
How would you have felt about Lot since you just had an experience with him where he had chosen all the choice lots. Would you have been concerned or would you have ignored his predicament? Would you have said, "serves him right since he’s so greedy"?
What did Abraham do for lot?
4 kings against 5 kings. Who won? 4 kings
Now here was Abraham alone, deciding to fight the victor of this war.
Real faith will be tested, and will display courage. Even if we are fearful, we put our faith in the Lord.
Example: chief who said anyone who wanted to marry my daughter swims across river with many crocodiles. All the men were on the other side. All of a sudden a man jumped and swam through, despite all the danger of the crocodiles on the water. When he made it to the other side, chief congratulated him and praised him for his courage. He turned his back and shouted, "Hey, who among you pushed me?!"
Abraham was put in situation where he was tested whether he would help Lot or not. How are we courageous?
Think of the needs of others. Abraham was thinking of Lot. Nahihiya tayo to share the Word. Looking at the needs will compel you to move towards others.
Think of others.
Gen 13:14 – leader – trainmen around you. In every family, there is no real leader I the home. Abraham was bold because he was prepared. Discipline train yourself. Be equipped.
2 Tim 3:16 – we need training therefore we need to study the bible
Books are okay but it is more important to study the Bible.
Someone once said, "reading books on the bible can be compared to eating meat that has already been digested and thrown out."
Gen 14:15 – Abraham defeated 4 kings, 4 kings defeated the 5 kings.
He risked his life for lot.
How would you have responded if you were Abraham? What gave him courage? His confidence was based on God.
Somebody reminded Abraham the secret of his victory.
Gen 14:20 – God and 1 = greater than any number. Even if the majority believes in
certain things.
Ordinary women, lesbians, if the bible says that something is wrong, then it
is wrong. Abraham became the leader; a man of faith knows where
his success comes from
Gen 14:20 – Secret of gratitude – when we realize that God is the center.
Success of any undertaking God is in the picture.
Abraham gave a tenth of all.
Gen 14:21 - I will not take a thread or a sandal thong. What is he saying? We should be
willing to wait. Abraham did not appropriate power, or money.
Gen 14:22 – Before he went to fight, he prayed Lord if you give me the victory, I will glorify you. A man of faith does not take short cuts. He is willing to wait.
We want everything yesterday. In God’s time he will bless you.
Gen 12
King of Sodom was exceedingly wicked. If we do things God’s way, God’s time, if we are willing to wait, he will reward us.
Concern for the glory of God will impact your life. Every decision I make wills either brings glory to God or not. Daughter invited to become ea. model.
Her conviction not yet strong. Concerns: midrib. She decided I’m not going to wear that outfit, more conservative. The place was full of smoke. Somehow God spoke to her. I don’t think this will bring honor and glory to God.
Teach our children principles; not just do this.
Real faith – be willing to wait is dependent on our concept of god, and who he is.
How big is your God? Your faith in God is proportionate to your knowledge eof him.
Gen 15:1 – Abraham obeyed again god, God revealed himself again to Abraham
Gen 15:1 – Progressive revelation. God does not reveal himself to us overnight. He does
it step by step. When I stop obeying God, I stop knowing him.
Gen 15:1 – What was Abraham afraid of?
Someday those kings are going to attack. Fear of old age. Singleness, provision, singleness.
For most of you, career. God knows your fears.
Gen 15:1 I am a shield to you every time we worm, god is our shield. God is our
rewarder, not people. Don’t be afraid. I am your reward.
Assignment: Read Genesis 15,16,1 7.